POLICE CHARGING POLICIES & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - Native ...

c) Need to Provide and Support Alternative ResourcesNative Justice ResponseMore Bands have become involved in eradicating domestic violence since theDepartment of Indian and Northern Affairs and National Health and Welfare Canadafunded family violence projects. Some Indian Act governments support preventativeprograms for victims of family violence on reserves and actively support publicawareness and education forums on the issue of family violence. Aboriginalgovernments could start providing counselling services, elder circles, or some form ofholistic healing for offenders and victims. They could also become involved inimplementing policies and lobby for more resources for women's shelters. Alcohol anddrug abuse programs have frequently had a beneficial impact on violence arising fromalcohol including domestic violence. Lisa Mosher, an elder, explained that it is importantin the healing process for everyone, women and others, to benefit from alcohol and drugcounselling. An Alberta respondent reported that some other alternatives toinstitutionalization would include the use of community healing processes such as anElder's Justice Committee, spiritual cleansing, and counselling by peers and elders. InOntario, it was suggested that Indian Act bands or tribal councils develop communitylaws with opportunity for peace bonds and forced counselling for offenders involved indomestic violence. The response from Quebec was that more prevention programs areneeded. The First Nations Chiefs of Police Association is currently working with thefederal Solicitor General and the Canadian Police College to form a three-week coursefor First Nations police officers on domestic violence.Police ResponseIndian Act governments should encourage abusers to attend counselling. They need toknow and understand that this is a community problem, not just a family problem. IndianAct bands and tribal councils should take a strong stand against domestic violence andalcohol abuse. One respondent from Labrador stated that the Métis have not dealt withthe violence issue, therefore, the police and the social services professionals deal withthe matter. One alternative to institutionalizing the offender may include teaching nonviolentconflict resolution techniques and using a holistic approach to the problem.d) Need for Aboriginal Women’s Involvement in the Solution toDomestic ViolenceNative Justice ResponseThe protection of women and children must come first and the laying of charges,second. Aboriginal women must become involved in seeking solutions to domesticviolence. Women's rights to protection is paramount and should be strictly enforced. Arespondent from British Columbia stated that domestic violence responses need to behandled in such a way as to stop the abuse of women.Pg. 40